Crewe FC 1 Linotype CHN 3

ASSISTANT manager Luke Goddard fears Crewe FC’s season is fizzling out after defeat to Linotype dashed any hopes of a Cheshire League Division One title.

It meant successive losses for the Cumberland Arena outfit, who were beaten by Billinge last week, with Josh Rowley’s effort merely a consolation.

Goddard, who saw red after collecting two bookings, is disappointed the side have not maintained their title charge.

“Sadly the lads look like they’ve took the foot off the pedal and hit the beach five games too early,” he said.

“With recent results in other games, our title chances were far from over if we`d have gained maximum points in the last two fixtures.

“However, that hasn’t happened or looked liked happening and we have to re-group to make sure we gain the points to finish in a positive manner, rather than just letting the season fizzle out with below par performances.

“The group of players we have will be here for a few more seasons yet and with the quality in that group we will be winning things, no question about it.”

Although playing some good passing football along the back line, FC lacked tempo going forward and failed to test the opposition keeper despite chances for Ethan Tizard, Matt Pearson, Ian Carr and Andy Jackson.

They then failed to deal with a corner and Linotype took the lead before half time.

The hosts came out looking more purposeful in attack, but, after top scorer Nath Southern failed to find the net when one-on-one, Linotype doubled their lead from a free kick.

Goddard was handed a controversial second yellow, but with 10 minutes remaining Rowley beat the Linotype stopper to a long ball and pulled one back.

However, the visitors grabbed a late third to seal the points and leave Goddard frustrated by Crewe’s defensive form.

“Only three weeks ago we had one of the best defensive records in the league,” he added. “After the past two weeks that hard work has been wiped out.”

Crewe Williams, Tizard, Goddard, Everall, Brehaut, Parkinson, Jackson, Carr, McNichol, Pearson, Southern. Subs Smith, Rowley, Tickle.